Carbon 3D has developed a 3D printing method, continuous liquid interface production (CLIP), that uses UV light to trigger photopolymerization, and oxygen as an inhibiting agent. By balancing this interaction, CLIP “grows”objects from a pool of resin. Photo: Carbon 3D Inc.

Barron’s recently predicted that 3D printing would be a $13 billion industry by 2018, up from $600 million two years ago. AEC industry use might represent only a fraction of the total, but the trend is definitely ascending.

There’s no doubt the technology can do some fascinating things. Machines can now print with all sorts of powderized materials, from concrete to chocolate. ZGF Architects’ Robert Petty printed his wedding ring using powderized silver, and “it’s held up fine,” he says. At the recent 3D Print Design show in New York, Perkins+Will displayed a six-foot-tall model of a skyscraper that it had printed on a MakerBot machine.

The 3D printer industry keeps making strides in technology and affordability. WobbleWorks recently released an upgrade of its 3D printing pen—yes, it’s a pen, the 3Doodle—that it’s selling for $100 a pop.

After two years of secretive development, Redwood, Calif., startup Carbon3D unveiled a 3D printing process called CLIP (for “continuous liquid interface production”) that uses light to cure the extruded resin that forms the physical objects and models. The company claims this process is 25–100 times faster than anything that’s currently available. Autodesk recently invested $10 million in Carbon3D.

Carbon 3D's continuous liquid interface production process

In March, Trimble released an update of 3D Warehouse, its online platform for sharing and downloading free 3D models and materials, which is a key component of the SketchUp 3D modeling software. Autodesk recently introduced Spark, an open-source platform that enables 3D applications and services to deliver 3D models for any printer or service bureau.

Higher quality printers, greater affordability, new technical processes—all represent promising solutions that AEC firms are looking for as they try to figure out where 3D printing fits into their larger technology picture.

Amid all the ballyhoo, there’s still the question of how embedded 3D printers will become in AEC firms’ workflow. Jorge Barrero, a Senior Associate at Gensler, compares 3D printing to a familiar domestic technology: “It’s like the microwave,” he says. “It never replaced the oven, but it made it into everyone’s kitchen.”

The i/o team at Perkins+Will holds a planning session for an intelligent project delivery app. The firm utilizes machine learning tools and processes to learn from current and past projects. Courtesy Perkins+Will. Courtesy Perkins+Will.

The FARO Freestyle 3D handheld laser scanner was used to quickly capture precise measurements in One Liberty Plaza’s mechanical room. The device connects directly to a Microsoft Pro Surface tablet and has 3D point accuracy ≤1.5mm and an indoor scanning volume of up to 8m³. Photo: Actus3D.